When a skunk is nearby, you can tell that distinctive funk anywhere. As fall approaches, these nocturnal foragers are actively on the prowl for food, which means an increased chance of encountering one in the wild or even in your neighborhood. While they don’t hibernate completely, they do tend to stay in their burrows for several weeks at a time during the winter, only venturing out occasionally to look for food. With skunks being more active this time of year, what can you do to keep from getting a face full of a foul surprise?
First, you’ll likely smell them before you see them so if you catch a whiff, be on guard. If you see those distinctive stripes meandering through the woods, hold still. Move away slowly and quietly. Skunks spray when they feel threatened and, sadly, they are quite nearsighted so may mistake you for a predator. Your best defense is for them not to see you at all.
This doesn’t preclude the chance that you might stumble upon Pepe Le Pew unexpectedly. If you do startle this monochromatic mammal into his fear response, you should get a pretty clear warning. A skunk will hiss, stamp its feet, and (of course) turn around to point the business end at you. If you see this behavior, run for it. Get out of range before he can let loose. Skunks can spray with a good deal of accuracy about ten feet. Spotted skunks like to do a handstand before they spray. While this may be amusing, you can run now, laugh later.
Oh no! You weren’t fast enough and, just like the Partridge Family, you got skunked. Now what? First, stay outside! Well, for as long as you can anyway. You’ll likely have to go inside to bathe but when you do, try not to touch anything. Skunk spray is oily and will get on any surface you touch. If you got hit in the face, flush your eyes out with water from the hose. The spray is not harmful, just horrifying.
To de-funk yourself or any other victims, you’ll need some simple ingredients: hydrogen peroxide, baking soda or vinegar, dish soap, and a large bowl. Pour the entire bottle of peroxide into the bowl and add a ¼ cup of baking soda or vinegar, along with a teaspoon of dish soap. Mix well with your hands, then take it into the bathtub and start scrubbing. Rinse and repeat. The solution is safe for skin and hair, just don’t leave it on for more than a couple of minutes before rinsing or you could end up with a new hair color.
In extreme situations where you, or a child, are having an adverse reaction, a trip to the ER may be in order. By being aware as you walk through the woods this time of year, hopefully the only skunk you’ll see is on Saturday morning cartoons.
Featured Image from Bryan Padron/Unsplash
